Daily Current Affairs October 20 & 21

Dear Champions, as you all know that a lot of competitive exams have been notified consequently. Candidates have to prepare themselves according to the level of competition and expectation of the Recruitment board. Regarding that one of the most important topic is Daily Current Affairs October 20 & 21. Current Affairs in the form of contemporary events of national & international play a crucial role in almost every competitive exams like Banking, Insurance, SSC, UPSC, TNPSC, Railway etc.

Current affairs are the most dynamic yet scoring among all sections and need to be prepared from the right source. Here, we cafunsta team, providing Daily GK Updates, Current Affairs Questions, and Monthly current affairs pdf.

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October 20 & 21 | Daily Current Affairs 2025

Important Days – Daily Current Affairs October 20 & 21

1. What is the theme of World Statistics Day 2025?
A) Statistics for a Sustainable World
B) Empowering Decisions with Data
C) Data for Development and Peace
D) Driving Change with Quality Statistics and Data for Everyone
E) Quality Data for Better Governance
Answer: D) Driving Change with Quality Statistics and Data for Everyone

Event and Location:

• Event: World Statistics Day 2025 Observance
• Location: Global (United Nations Member States)
• Date: 20 October 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates:
  • Observance of World Statistics Day every five years to highlight the importance of statistics in governance and development.
  • Promote the use of quality and accessible data in decision-making at all levels.
• Objectives:
  • To recognize and appreciate the contribution of statisticians.
  • To raise awareness about the role of accurate and timely statistics in social, economic, and policy planning.
  • To encourage statistical literacy among the public, especially students.

Important Terms Explained:

• World Statistics Day:
  • A global observance initiated by the United Nations in 2010 to celebrate the importance of official statistics and the contributions of statisticians.
• Statistical Literacy:
  • The ability to understand, interpret, and critically evaluate statistical information and data-driven arguments.
• Theme 2025 – “Driving Change with Quality Statistics and Data for Everyone”:
  • Reflects the global call for inclusive access to quality data for evidence-based policymaking and sustainable development.

Tabular Summary:

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Obituary – Daily Current Affairs October 20 & 21

2. Which veteran Indian actor did Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently pay tribute to after his passing?
A) Kader Khan
B) Amrish Puri
C) Govardhan Asrani
D) Rishi Kapoor
E) Paresh Rawal
Answer: C) Govardhan Asrani

Event and Location:

• Event: Prime Minister condoles the death of veteran actor Shri Govardhan Asrani
• Location: India (National relevance)
• Date: 21st October 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates:
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a public statement expressing grief over the demise of veteran actor Govardhan Asrani.
• Objectives:
  • To honour and remember the significant contributions made by Asrani to Indian cinema.
  • To offer condolences to his family, admirers, and the broader film industry community.

Important Terms Explained:

• Govardhan Asrani (Asrani):
  • A renowned Indian actor known for his comedic timing and versatility across over 350 Hindi films, also known for memorable supporting roles in classics like Sholay.
  • He had a long-standing career in Bollywood and Gujarati cinema, contributing to both mainstream and parallel films.
  • Honoured for his ability to bring joy and laughter to audiences spanning multiple generations.
• Om Shanti:
  • A spiritual phrase commonly used in India to express peace and rest for the departed soul.
• Indian Cinema:
  • Refers to the film industry in India, comprising multiple languages and genres. Bollywood, the Hindi-language film industry, is the largest segment.

Tabular Summary:

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Banking and Finance – Daily Current Affairs October 20 & 21

3. Which state achieved the lowest cut-off yield during the RBI’s ₹17,000 crore State Government Securities auction held on October 20, 2025?
A) Maharashtra
B) Uttar Pradesh
C) Rajasthan
D) Tamil Nadu
E) Chhattisgarh
Answer: D) Tamil Nadu

Event and Location:

• Event: Auction results of ₹17,000 crore worth of State Government Securities (SGS)
• Location: Pan-India (conducted by RBI from New Delhi)
• Date: 20 October 2025 (Auction), 21 October 2025 (Results announced)

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates:
  • The RBI conducted a State Government Securities auction where 11 securities were offered by 5 states to raise ₹17,000 crore.
• Objectives:
  • To help states mobilise long-term capital for development through market-based borrowing, while offering investors graded yield options across various maturities.

State-wise Tabulation of SGS Auction – October 20, 2025

Important Terms Explained:

• State Government Securities (SGS):
  • Debt instruments issued by state governments to raise funds from the market. Investors earn interest (coupon) and are repaid at maturity. SGS are considered low-risk.
• Cut-off Yield:
  • The highest accepted yield in an auction, which determines the interest rate states will pay to borrow funds. It reflects market demand and risk perception.
• Weighted Average Yield:
  • The average yield on all accepted bids, weighted by the bid amounts. It gives a truer cost of borrowing for the issuer compared to the cut-off yield alone.
• Re-issue of Bonds:
  • Issuance of an already existing bond at current market rates to raise additional funds. It helps consolidate debt and manage liquidity more efficiently.
• Non-Competitive Bidding:
  • A mechanism in government securities auctions that allows certain institutions (like retail investors or specific funds) to participate without quoting yields, receiving allotment at weighted average yield.

Tabular Summary:

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4. According to Piyush Goyal, how much investment have foreign investors recently announced in India’s finance and banking sectors?
A) ₹10,000 crore
B) ₹25,000 crore
C) ₹35,000 crore
D) ₹50,000 crore
E) ₹75,000 crore
Answer: D) ₹50,000 crore

Event and Location:

• Event: Surge in foreign investment announcements in India’s finance and banking sectors
• Location: New Delhi, India
• Date: 20 October 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates:
  • Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal revealed that foreign investors have announced ₹50,000+ crore worth of planned investments into India’s finance and banking sectors in recent months.
• Objectives:
  • To showcase India as a resilient and preferred investment destination amidst global economic headwinds and underline the continued strength of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows.

Important Terms Explained:

• FDI (Foreign Direct Investment):
  • Long-term investment made by foreign entities in the economy of another country. India witnessed a 15% YoY increase in FDI to USD 18.62 billion in Q1 FY26.
• Banking & Finance Sector:
  • One of the most attractive sectors for FDI in India, known for high return potential, large-scale digital adoption, and regulatory reforms that enhance ease of doing business.
• Piyush Goyal:
  • Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, actively promoting India’s global investment outlook and FDI-friendly policies.
• “India is an oasis for investments”:
  • A phrase used by Goyal to highlight India’s stability and attractiveness in contrast to global economic turbulence.

Tabular Summary:

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5. Which bond format is being used by Godrej Seeds and Genetics for its ₹2,000 crore debt issuance?
A) NCD (Non-Convertible Debenture)
B) Masala Bonds
C) Perpetual Bonds
D) STRPP Bonds
E) Green Bonds
Answer: D) STRPP Bonds

Event and Location:

• Event: Godrej Seeds and Genetics plans third bond issuance in STRPP format
• Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra
• Date: 20 October 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates:
  • Godrej Seeds and Genetics Ltd (GSGL), the holding company of Godrej Consumer Products, plans to raise ₹2,000 crore via short-duration corporate bonds by the end of October 2025.
• Objectives:
  • To mobilise funds through STRPP bonds for business operations, leveraging the group’s financial strength, while maintaining short-term maturity and investment-grade credit rating.

Important Terms Explained:

• STRPP (Separately Transferable Redeemable Principal Part):
  • A bond structure where principal payments are split into separate, transferable parts, often with staggered maturity dates. Useful for flexible trading and investor liquidity.
• Godrej Seeds and Genetics Ltd (GSGL):
  • A holding and agri-trading company in the Godrej Group, and parent to Godrej Consumer Products, actively participating in the bond market since July 2025.
• Crisil Rating – AA:
  • The credit rating assigned to these bonds by Crisil, reflecting a high degree of safety and strong financial backing from the Godrej Group.
• Coupon Rate:
  • The previous bond sale by GSGL offered STRPP bonds with a 7.99% annual coupon, indicating the cost of borrowing for the issuer.

Tabular Summary:

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Business and Economy – Daily Current Affairs October 20 & 21

6. Which of the following products or sectors in Uttarakhand did not receive a GST rate cut as per the latest reforms?
A) Aipan Art
B) Medical Devices
C) Financial Services
D) Hotel Tariffs
E) Woollen Garments
Answer: C) Financial Services

Event and Location:

• Event: GST rate rationalisation to boost agriculture, tourism, and industry
• Location: Uttarakhand, India
• Date: 21 October 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: Reduction of GST rates across key sectors including hill produce, traditional crafts, tourism, and manufacturing.
• Objectives: To strengthen local economies, support small producers and artisans, enhance affordability, attract investment, and promote sustainable and inclusive growth in Uttarakhand.

Important Terms Explained:

• GST (Goods and Services Tax): A comprehensive indirect tax system in India applied on manufacture, sale, and consumption of goods and services, with recent reductions from 12% to 5% and from 28% to 18% in multiple sectors in Uttarakhand.
• Pahari Toor Dal: A hill-grown pulse integral to traditional Barahnaja farming, now with a reduced GST rate of 5%, supporting small farmers across 13 hill districts.
• Aipan Art: A traditional Kumaoni decorative art form used in homes and rituals, now adapted into commercial handicrafts, which will now attract only 5% GST instead of 12%.
• Ringal Craft: Handicrafts made from hill bamboo (Ringal), significant to SC/ST communities in the hills, now taxed at a reduced rate of 5%, enhancing rural incomes.
• Medical Device Park: A manufacturing cluster in SIDCUL, Uttarakhand, focused on health-tech production; its products now fall under 5% GST, boosting local MedTech industry.
• Barahnaja: A traditional multi-grain mixed cropping system used in the Himalayan regions to preserve biodiversity and food security.

Tabular Summary:

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7. Which of the following factors is not cited as a reason for the decline of Kashmir’s walnut industry?
A) High GST rate on walnuts
B) Lack of modern processing infrastructure
C) Strong competition from imported walnuts
D) Closure of traditional mandis across India
E) Absence of standard grading and branding
Answer: D) Closure of traditional mandis across India

Event and Location:

• Event: Kashmir’s walnut industry faces decline due to infrastructure and market challenges
• Location: Jammu and Kashmir, India
• Date: 21 October 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates:
  • Highlighting the crisis in Kashmir’s walnut sector, which faces challenges such as lack of modern processing, poor market access, and increased imports from other countries.
• Objectives:
  • To raise awareness of the urgent need for investment in post-harvest infrastructure, removal of GST, establishment of mandis and branding mechanisms to revive the rural walnut economy in Kashmir.

Important Terms Explained:

• GST (Goods and Services Tax) on Walnuts:
  • A 5% GST levied on walnut trade adds cost burden on growers and traders, impacting competitiveness of Kashmiri walnuts in domestic markets.
• Post-Harvest Management:
  • Activities like drying, shelling, grading, and packaging done after harvest; currently unorganised and unhygienic in Kashmir, leading to lower export value.
• Kagazi Walnut:
  • A premium Kashmiri walnut variety with a thin shell and easily extractable kernel, preferred by consumers for its taste and quality.
• Wonth & Burzul Varieties:
  • Other traditional walnut types; Wonth is used for oil due to its hard shell, while Burzul is flavour-rich and often acid-washed to resemble Kagazi visually.
• Dry Fruit Association of Kashmir:
  • A trade body representing walnut growers and traders in J&K, actively lobbying for the removal of GST and investment in walnut infrastructure.

Tabular Summary:

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8. Which of the following is not one of the five core sectors identified by the Hinduja Group to contribute 80% of its growth by 2030?
A) Automotive
B) Renewable Energy
C) Financial Services
D) Specialty Chemicals
E) Real Estate
Answer: E) Real Estate

Event and Location:

• Event: Hinduja Group outlines strategic growth sectors till 2030
• Location: Mumbai, India
• Date: 21 October 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates:
  • The Hinduja Group has announced that automotive, energy, financial services, lubricants & specialty chemicals, and digital technologies will account for over 80% of its growth by 2030.
• Objectives:
  • To build a fully integrated electric mobility and renewable energy ecosystem, adopt digital enablement, expand into end-to-end commercial EV services, and achieve 10 GW renewable energy capacity through diversified investment strategies.

Important Terms Explained:

• Switch Mobility:
  • Hinduja Group’s electric vehicle (EV) arm that manufactures commercial EVs, including electric buses and LCVs. It is also setting up a ₹1,000 crore manufacturing facility in Lucknow.
• OHM Global Mobility:
  • An e-mobility-as-a-service platform by Hinduja that owns, maintains, and operates EV fleets (like electric buses) on a pay-per-kilometre model, integrating vehicles, charging, and driver operations.
• TCO (Total Cost of Ownership):
  • A key performance metric used to measure the lifetime cost efficiency of EVs, considering purchase, maintenance, charging, and battery longevity. Hinduja aims to be industry-leading in TCO.
• Hinduja Renewables:
  • The group’s renewable energy entity with a current capacity of 3 GW, targeting 10 GW by 2030 via solar, wind, hybrid, RTC (round-the-clock), battery energy storage systems (BESS), and pumped hydro (PSP).
• Hinduja Leyland Finance:
  • A Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) under the Hinduja Group offering vehicle financing, loan against property, supply chain finance, and EV-specific financing solutions.
• Gro Platform:
  • A digital freight exchange and fleet management solution by Hinduja, offering services such as load-matching, Fastag, fuel cards, telematics, insurance, roadside assistance, and resale support via GaadiMandi.

Tabular Summary:

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9. Which type of coal saw an increase in imports in August 2025 compared to the same month last year?
A) Lignite
B) Anthracite
C) Thermal coal
D) Coking coal
E) Non-coking coal
Answer: D) Coking coal

Event and Location:

• Event: Marginal decline in India’s total coal imports for August 2025
• Location: Pan-India (Reported from New Delhi)
• Date: 21 October 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates:
  • India’s total coal imports in August 2025 stood at 20.58 million tonnes (MT), registering a 0.6% decline from 20.70 MT in August 2024.
• Objectives:
  • To reflect the changing trends in coal import dynamics, assess the impact of seasonal factors like monsoon, and project future coal demand based on industrial and power sector needs.

Important Terms Explained:

• Coking Coal:
  • A type of coal used mainly in steel production, especially in blast furnaces. Its imports increased from 4.53 MT to 4.82 MT in August YoY.
• Non-Coking Coal (Thermal Coal):
  • Used primarily for power generation in thermal plants. Imports decreased to 11.55 MT in August 2025 from 13.04 MT in August 2024.
• mjunction Services Ltd:
  • A B2B e-commerce platform, and India’s largest coal e-auction service provider. It is a joint venture of Tata Steel and SAIL and regularly reports coal import statistics.
• Extended Monsoon Impact:
  • The prolonged monsoon during the pre-festive period led to lower coal demand, especially from power and industrial sectors, contributing to reduced imports.

Tabular Summary:

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10. What was the primary driver of Reliance Industries Ltd’s share price increase after its Q2 FY26 earnings?
A) Strong global crude oil prices
B) 13% rise in manufacturing output
C) Improved retail and telecom performance
D) Dividend declaration
E) Merger with a foreign telecom player
Answer: C) Improved retail and telecom performance

Event and Location:

• Event: Reliance shares surge nearly 4% following Q2 FY26 earnings
• Location: New Delhi / BSE & NSE trading platforms
• Date: 20 October 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates:
  • Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) reported a 9.6% year-on-year increase in net profit for Q2 FY26, boosting its share price by 3.52% on BSE and 3.60% on NSE.
• Objectives:
  • To reflect the company’s improved business performance across telecom, retail, and oil-to-chemicals (O2C) segments, which led to investor optimism and a ₹67,459 crore rise in market valuation.

Important Terms Explained:

• Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL):
  • India’s largest private sector company with diversified operations across oil refining, petrochemicals, retail, telecom, and digital services.
• Jio Platforms Ltd:
  • Subsidiary of RIL, housing telecom (Jio) and digital platforms. Reported a 13% rise in profit in Q2 FY26, reaching ₹7,379 crore.
• Oil-to-Chemicals (O2C) Segment:
  • Core refining and petrochemicals business of RIL. Q2 performance improved due to refining margin gains and record crude processing levels.
• Market Capitalisation:
  • The total value of a company’s outstanding shares. RIL’s market cap jumped by ₹67,459 crore, reaching ₹19.85 lakh crore.
• Q2 FY26 (July–September 2025):
  • The second quarter of fiscal year 2025–26. RIL reported a consolidated net profit of ₹18,165 crore for this period.

Tabular Summary:

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Appointments – Daily Current Affairs October 20 & 21

11. Who has been reappointed by Tata Trusts as a lifetime trustee, ahead of his term expiring in October 2025?
A) Noel Tata
B) Mehli Mistry
C) Natarajan Chandrasekaran
D) Venu Srinivasan
E) Ratan Tata
Answer: D) Venu Srinivasan

Event and Location:

• Event: Lifetime reappointment of Venu Srinivasan as trustee of Tata Trusts
• Location: New Delhi, India (Organisational HQ and announcement point)
• Date: 21 October 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates:
  • Tata Trusts unanimously reappointed Venu Srinivasan, Chairman Emeritus of TVS Group, as a lifetime trustee, days before his term’s expiry on October 23, 2025.
• Objectives:
  • To ensure continuity of leadership within Tata Trusts while adhering to internal norms, amid reported divisions over lifetime tenure rules and pending decisions on trustee Mehli Mistry’s renewal.

Important Terms Explained:

• Tata Trusts:
  • An umbrella body managing several charitable trusts like the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust and Sir Ratan Tata Trust. It holds 66% equity in Tata Sons, the holding company of the Tata Group.
• Venu Srinivasan:
  • Chairman Emeritus of TVS Group, and now a lifetime trustee of Tata Trusts after a unanimous resolution was passed prior to the expiry of his term.
• Mehli Mistry:
  • A trustee of Tata Trusts whose term expires on October 28, 2025. His possible lifetime reappointment is being debated due to differing interpretations of the October 17, 2024 resolution.
• October 17, 2024 Resolution:
  • A joint decision by the boards of Sir Dorabji Tata Trust and Sir Ratan Tata Trust, stating that trusteeship is for life unless revoked at age 75, and any vote against reappointment could be a breach of commitment.
• Noel Tata:
  • Appointed as Chairman of Tata Trusts after Ratan Tata’s demise. Alleged internal differences within the Trusts are reportedly split between Noel Tata’s camp and loyalists of the late Ratan Tata.

Tabular Summary:

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12. Who has become the first woman Prime Minister of Japan as of October 2025?
A) Satsuki Katayama
B) Yuriko Koike
C) Sanae Takaichi
D) Tomomi Inada
E) Seiko Noda
Answer: C) Sanae Takaichi

Event and Location:

• Event: Sanae Takaichi becomes Japan’s first woman Prime Minister
• Location: Tokyo, Japan
• Date: 21 October 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates:
  • Sanae Takaichi, President of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), has been formally confirmed as Japan’s first female Prime Minister, leading a minority coalition government after striking a deal with the Japan Innovation Party (JIP).
• Objectives:
  • To lead Japan’s new coalition government, strengthen the economy, increase female political representation, and address long-term issues such as population decline and international relations.

Important Terms Explained:

• Sanae Takaichi:
  • A 64-year-old conservative politician known for her hawkish stance on China. She is the first woman to become Prime Minister of Japan, succeeding Shigeru Ishiba.
• Liberal Democratic Party (LDP):
  • Japan’s dominant ruling party for most of the post-war period. Takaichi became its leader on October 4, 2025.
• Komeito:
  • A former coalition partner of LDP, which withdrew support citing ideological differences and corruption concerns.
• Japan Innovation Party (JIP):
  • A reformist, right-leaning party that joined Takaichi in forming a minority coalition with 231 seats in Japan’s 465-member lower house.
• Satsuki Katayama:
  • Veteran LDP politician expected to be appointed as Japan’s first woman finance minister, under Takaichi’s cabinet.
• Glass Ceiling:
  • A metaphor for invisible barriers that prevent women from rising to senior leadership roles. Takaichi’s appointment is seen as a significant break in Japan’s male-dominated political structure.

Tabular Summary:

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13. Which Indian professional was elected as Vice-President of FIATA in October 2025?
A) Mayur Contractor
B) Piyush Srivastava
C) Tej Contractor
D) Sanjay Chadha
E) Rajiv Suri
Answer: C) Tej Contractor

Event and Location:

• Event: Election of Tej Contractor as Vice-President of FIATA
• Location: Mumbai (India-based), International (FIATA HQ in Geneva)
• Date: 20 October 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates:
  • Tej Contractor, Director of MCC Container Lines Pvt Ltd, has been elected Vice-President of FIATA, representing the Federation of Freight Forwarders’ Associations in India (FFFAI).
• Objectives:
  • To strengthen India’s representation in global freight forwarding policy-making, and continue contributions toward international trade, logistics, and multimodal transport development through FIATA.

Important Terms Explained:

• FIATA (International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations):
  • A non-governmental, global umbrella organization based in Geneva that represents freight forwarders and logistics providers across 150+ countries.
• Tej Contractor:
  • Director of MCC Container Lines Pvt Ltd, Mumbai, and now Vice-President of FIATA.
  • He represents the FFFAI and continues the legacy of his father, Mayur C Contractor, who also served as FIATA VP in 2001.
• FFFAI (Federation of Freight Forwarders’ Associations in India):
  • An apex body representing Indian freight forwarders, promoting trade facilitation, logistics, and policy advocacy in the global supply chain.
• MCC Container Lines Pvt Ltd:
  • An India-based logistics and container services company with operations in international freight forwarding and maritime services.

Tabular Summary:

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Defence – Daily Current Affairs October 20 & 21

14. What is the primary focus of the Indian Navy Commanders’ Conference 2025?
A) Celebrating naval anniversaries
B) Reviewing AI applications in agriculture
C) Addressing Navy’s operational readiness and strategic threats
D) Conducting naval recruitment drives
E) Launching a new naval satellite program
Answer: C) Addressing Navy’s operational readiness and strategic threats

Event and Location:

• Event: Indian Navy Commanders’ Conference 2025 (Second Edition)
• Location: New Delhi, India
• Date: 22–24 October 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates:
  • Conducting a high-level tri-service conference to review Indian Navy’s operations, training, readiness, and incorporation of modern technology amidst rising strategic challenges.
• Objectives:
  • To enhance maritime security preparedness, improve inter-service synergy, integrate AI and digital technologies in naval warfare, and strengthen indigenisation through Make in India for long-term naval capability building.

Important Terms Explained:

• Operation Sindoor:
  • An ongoing naval mission showcasing the Indian Navy’s readiness, coordination with Army, Air Force, and Coast Guard, and focus on maritime dominance in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and Indo-Pacific.
• Make in India (Defence):
  • A national initiative aimed at boosting domestic manufacturing in the defence sector by encouraging indigenous shipbuilding, weapon systems, and innovation.
• MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security Across all Regions):
  • An Indian Navy initiative to strengthen bilateral and multilateral maritime cooperation, enhancing India’s role as a security provider in the Indo-Pacific.
• Chief of Naval Staff (CNS):
  • The professional head of the Indian Navy. Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi currently holds this position and leads naval strategic planning and operations.
• Digital Transformation in Defence:
  • Integration of AI, Big Data, and Machine Learning (ML) into combat systems and logistics for real-time decision-making, battlefield management, and operational efficiency.

Tabular Summary:

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International Affairs – Daily Current Affairs October 20 & 21

15. Which of the following is not one of the five core areas identified in the new EU-India Strategic Agenda?
A) Security and Defence
B) Prosperity
C) Technology and Innovation
D) Climate Financing
E) Connectivity and Global Issues
Answer: D) Climate Financing

Event and Location:

• Event: Unanimous approval of the new EU-India Strategic Agenda
• Location: European Union and India
• Date: 21 October 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates:
  • The European Council, representing all 27 EU member states, has unanimously endorsed the updated EU-India Strategic Agenda, which outlines plans for deeper cooperation in five priority sectors.
• Objectives:
  • To enhance bilateral ties in defence, trade, innovation, and global governance while promoting democratic values, rule of law, and multilateralism through a long-term strategic partnership between the EU and India.

Important Terms Explained:

• EU-India Strategic Agenda:
  • A long-term policy document defining the key areas of cooperation between the European Union (EU) and India, including security, sustainability, technology, and connectivity.
• India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC):
  • A multi-nation infrastructure and trade initiative connecting India with Europe via the Middle East, aimed at boosting economic connectivity.
• Global Gateway:
  • An EU infrastructure development initiative launched to provide high-quality investments and sustainable projects across the globe, serving as an alternative to China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
• Security and Defence Partnership:
  • A proposed framework to enhance EU-India collaboration in defence sectors including maritime security, cyber defence, counterterrorism, and industrial cooperation.
• WTO (World Trade Organization):
  • A multilateral body that governs international trade; both EU and India reaffirmed their commitment to reform and strengthen the WTO as part of the agenda.

Tabular Summary:

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16. What significant diplomatic step did India take in October 2025 to enhance its engagement with Afghanistan?
A) Signed a defence treaty with Afghanistan
B) Initiated direct train connectivity
C) Restored its Technical Mission in Kabul to Embassy status
D) Closed its humanitarian aid program
E) Declared Afghanistan as a strategic partner
Answer: C) Restored its Technical Mission in Kabul to Embassy status

Event and Location:

• Event: India restores Technical Mission in Kabul to full Embassy status
• Location: Kabul, Afghanistan and New Delhi, India
• Date: 10 October 2025 (announced); 21 October 2025 (reported)

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates:
  • India has officially restored its Technical Mission in Kabul to the Embassy of India, reinforcing full diplomatic presence and cooperation in Afghanistan.
• Objectives:
  • To deepen bilateral ties, contribute to Afghanistan’s development and reconstruction, provide humanitarian support, enhance security cooperation, and strengthen regional stability and mutual trust.

Important Terms Explained:

• Technical Mission:
  • A limited diplomatic setup established for focused operations (such as humanitarian aid or technical projects) without full embassy privileges; now upgraded to a full diplomatic embassy in Kabul.
• Embassy of India in Kabul:
  • India’s full diplomatic representation in Afghanistan, tasked with enhancing bilateral cooperation in development, trade, culture, security, and humanitarian assistance.
• India-Afghanistan Air Freight Corridor:
  • A trade connectivity initiative that facilitates faster movement of goods between India and Afghanistan by air, promoting bilateral commerce.
• India-Afghanistan Friendship Dam (Salma Dam):
  • A major infrastructure project constructed by India in Herat, Afghanistan, to provide hydroelectricity and irrigation; a symbol of India-Afghanistan cooperation.
• Capacity-building initiatives:
  • Programs aimed at improving skills and institutional frameworks in Afghanistan, often in healthcare, education, infrastructure, and public administration.

Tabular Summary:

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Schemes – Daily Current Affairs October 20 & 21

17. Which ministries jointly organized the Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) Campaign 2025?
A) MoHUA and MoSPI
B) MoSPI and Ministry of Health
C) MoHUA and Ministry of Jal Shakti
D) Ministry of Rural Development and MoSPI
E) Ministry of Jal Shakti and Ministry of Health
Answer: C) MoHUA and Ministry of Jal Shakti

Event and Location:

• Event: Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) Campaign 2025 observed with focus on cleanliness and health
• Location: Nationwide (urban and rural areas)
• Date: 17th September to 2nd October 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates:
  • The Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) 2025 campaign was jointly implemented by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) for urban areas and the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS) under the Ministry of Jal Shakti for rural areas.
  • The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) launched the campaign with a Swachhta Pledge on 17th September.
• Objectives:
  • To enhance community participation in cleanliness activities, transform Cleanliness Target Units (CTUs) into model clean zones, promote personal hygiene and preventive healthcare for Safaimitras, and raise awareness about sustainable sanitation practices.

Important Terms Explained:

• Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS):
  • An annual pre-Gandhi Jayanti campaign under the broader Swachh Bharat Mission, focused on voluntary participation, community-led cleaning drives, and public awareness on sanitation.
• MoHUA (Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs):
  • The nodal ministry overseeing urban development, including sanitation initiatives like Swachh Bharat Mission – Urban (SBM-U).
• MoSPI (Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation):
  • A central ministry responsible for data, programme monitoring, and supporting cleanliness drives within its offices and associated departments.
• Safaimitras:
  • Sanitation workers engaged in cleaning and waste management tasks. SHS 2025 emphasized health camps and occupational safety for this community.
• Cleanliness Target Units (CTUs):
  • Designated areas under government agencies that were transformed into model clean zones during the SHS 2025 campaign.
• Shramdaan:
  • A voluntary contribution of labor by citizens; a key feature of SHS where large-scale cleaning and plantation drives are organized.

Tabular Summary:

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18. When was the UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) scheme officially launched under the National Civil Aviation Policy?
A) 27th April 2017
B) 21st October 2015
C) 21st October 2016
D) 15th August 2016
E) 5th June 2017
Answer: C) 21st October 2016

Event and Location:

• Event: 9th Anniversary of the UDAN Scheme celebrated
• Location: New Delhi (Main celebration by Ministry of Civil Aviation)
• Date: 21st October 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates:
  • The UDAN scheme, launched in October 2016, is a regional connectivity initiative under the National Civil Aviation Policy.
  • It aims to connect unserved and underserved airports through affordable air travel.
  • Over 1.56 crore passengers served via 3.23 lakh UDAN flights since inception.
• Objectives:
  • To make air travel affordable, accessible, and widespread for the common citizen.
  • Boost regional air connectivity and infrastructure development.
  • Extend air services to remote areas including hilly, northeastern, and island regions.
  • Continue operations beyond 2027 under the Expanded UDAN Framework.

Important Terms Explained:

• UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik):
  • A Government of India initiative under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) to make air travel accessible to the common man by connecting underserved and unserved airports at subsidized airfares.
• Viability Gap Funding (VGF):
  • Financial support provided by the government to airlines operating on UDAN routes to make regional air travel commercially viable while keeping ticket prices low.
• Water Aerodromes and Heliports:
  • Specialized facilities for seaplane and helicopter operations introduced to promote aerial connectivity to coastal, riverine, and island regions.
• UDAN 5.5:
  • A special bidding round under UDAN focused on seaplane and helicopter routes, with 150 routes awarded to connect 30 water aerodromes.
• Expanded UDAN Framework:
  • Planned continuation of UDAN beyond April 2027, focusing on 120 new destinations, especially in remote, hilly, and aspirational regions.

Tabular Summary:

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National Affairs – Daily Current Affairs October 20 & 21

19. What is the name of the global rice event being held in New Delhi from October 30, 2025?
A) Global Basmati Rice Summit
B) International Rice Trade Fair
C) Bharat International Rice Conference
D) India Rice Expo
E) Asian Rice Exporters Meet
Answer: C) Bharat International Rice Conference

Event and Location:

• Event: Bharat International Rice Conference (BIRC) 2025
• Location: Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, India
• Date: October 30–31, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates:
  • To conduct a large-scale international rice-focused conference involving farmers, cooperatives, and industry stakeholders.
• Objectives:
  • To promote India’s rice export potential, strengthen cooperative participation in the rice value chain, and enhance collaboration between exporters, input providers, and government bodies.

Important Terms Explained:

• IREF (Indian Rice Exporters’ Federation):
  • An apex body representing Indian rice exporters, working to promote rice exports and support policy advocacy.
• APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority):
  • A government nodal agency under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, tasked with promoting exports of agricultural and processed food products.
• Kribhco (Krishak Bharati Cooperative Ltd):
  • A leading fertiliser cooperative, acting as the main sponsor of the conference; plays a key role in supporting Indian agriculture.
• NCEL (National Cooperative Exports Ltd):
  • A cooperative export organisation involved in promoting agri-exports, particularly through farmer-owned cooperatives.
• NOCL (National Cooperative Organics Ltd):
  • A central agency focused on enabling the export of organic agricultural produce via the cooperative model.
• BBSSL (Bhartiya Beej Sahkarita Samiti Ltd):
  • A seed cooperative involved in the development, distribution, and promotion of high-quality seeds through farmer cooperatives.

Tabular Summary:

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20. Which electricity distribution company has launched a special drive to promote EV charging stations with subsidy support?
A) TANGEDCO
B) BESCOM
C) TGSPDCL
D) APTRANSCO
E) MSEDCL
Answer: C) TGSPDCL

Event and Location:

• Event: Launch of a special drive to promote Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations with subsidy
• Location: Hyderabad, Telangana
• Date: 21 October 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates:
  • TGSPDCL (Southern Power Distribution Company of Telangana Ltd) will launch a special drive to assist individuals and businesses in setting up EV Public Charging Stations (PCS) in cities, towns, and industrial zones.
• Objectives:
  • To accelerate EV adoption, reduce carbon emissions, and improve access to charging infrastructure by providing subsidy support for setting up electric vehicle charging stations across Telangana.

Important Terms Explained:

• TGSPDCL (Southern Power Distribution Company of Telangana Ltd):
  • A state-owned electricity distribution company in Telangana, responsible for power distribution across the southern region of the state.
• EV PCS (Electric Vehicle Public Charging Station):
  • A public infrastructure setup that provides electric power for recharging EVs such as two-wheelers, three-wheelers, passenger cars, and transport vehicles.
• Subsidy Scheme for EV PCS:
  • Financial assistance provided by the discom (or via central/state schemes) to lower capital costs and encourage private and public investment in EV charging infrastructure.
• CMD (Chairman and Managing Director):
  • Md. Musharraf Faruqui, who currently heads TGSPDCL, inspected Telangana Secretariat parking areas for potential EV station installation.

Tabular Summary:

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Over All Review

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